Credit freezes will soon be free for everyone

Starting this fall, the big three credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — will be required to let you freeze your credit file for free. A freeze can help prevent identity thieves from applying for credit cards, opening bank accounts or taking out loans in your name.

Congress mandated free freezes in response to consumer outrage over the Equifax breach last September that exposed the personal information of more than 146 million Americans.

Note: A freeze does not affect your relationship with current creditors and it does not impact your credit score.